Climate Change: The Real Problem

"Responsibility. What's that? Responsibility. Not quite yet." - MxPx, "Responsibility"

I just read an article on the recent decline in public concern over climate change. And what a doozy it was! Be sure to read some of the comments below the actual post, as some of the readers have some fascinating commentary.

In recent years, we have all been bombarded with talk of carbon emissions, melting ice caps, rising oceans, increases in temperature, deforestation, ozone depletion... the list could go on forever. Oh, and don't forget Hollywood's continual exploitation of apocalyptic theories, a la "2012" (in theaters now), "The Day The Earth Stood Still," "Knowing" and even ABC's new prime-time hit, "V."

But what's the real problem? In my opinion, it rests with the acceptance of responsibility of our actions - a problem of much grander proportions that straddles many issues. And when I say "our actions," I'm not talking about the current generation, I'm referring to our actions as human beings and inhabitants of Earth, the only home we have.

Who cares about the specific levels of CO2 or the accelerating rate of climate change? We can argue the data for centuries. The point is that we need to accept responsibility for our actions and set a dignified example that we respect our planet. And the United States needs to be a leader in this process, NOT a follower as in recent years.

Create alternative energies, clean up our cities, plant a tree for every one that's cut down and, most importantly, change our current lifestyle to fit one that is in harmony with natural resources, as opposed to exploiting them for our own personal gain, which is what got us into this literal and figurative environmental "mess."

Thomas Friedman, critically-acclaimed New York Times writer and author of The World is Flat, wrote a piece for the NYT magazine, entitled "The Power of Green." It's a long article, but definitely worth the read. In it, Friedman discusses the importance of "the China price," a sustainable world economy and the perils associated with the USA's dependency on foreign oil. But the premise behind his entire argument is a proactive responsibility that is currently lacking in our society, and across the globe.

So as we continue to wage pointless political wars over whose side has more credibility - the left or the right, liberal or conservatives - we drive our gas-guzzling machines, hopelessly destroy our planet to drill for oil and build structures designed to crumble.

The carelessness never ends.

It's the "Boiling Frog Syndrome" screaming right in our faces, but to which we are unfortunately deaf. The only question left to ask is: will we be able to wake up in time to counteract the damage we have already done and slow the processes which we have placed in motion? We can only hope the answer is "yes," and do everything in our power to make changes in our own personal lives.

The decision is yours. Will you make it?

The Meaning of "Fame"

Today, Perez Hilton tweeted about an ariticle from the Hollywood Reporter about Hollywood "rethinking the use of A-list actors" in films.

And it really got me thinking: has the meaning of "fame" changed in our culture?

The article cites "Twilight," "Paranormal Activity" and other (relatively) low-budget films with (formerly) unknown actors. The recently-released "Precious" also comes to my mind, with Gabourey Sidibe and comedian/actress Mo'Nique already garnering Oscar-talk for their performances.

But where did this all begin? Is MTV to blame for giving us reality television in the form of "The Real World?"

Or was it CBS' "Survivor?"

How about YouTube? Undoubtedly, the website has borne "celebrities" in the form of everything from internet sensations like Chris Crocker to talented artists like Justin Bieber, whose debut album "My World" drops tomorrow, November 17.

And what about Lady GaGa's rise to super-stardom based on the spectacle of her outlandish yet creative performances? Let's not forget that she started out as a MySpace musician.

The point is: we live in confusing and dangerous - yet exciting - times. Those who are talented and use the Internet as a resource by which to build a following - be it on Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook or what have you - are capitalizing on the beauty of the Internet that still seems to fall under the radar of politicians, businessmen and housewives alike.

Obama, GaGa, Perez Hilton - the most influential people in our society have capitalized on the connectivity of the Internet.

And it won't stop there.

So who will be next? Is it you?